Intergenerational leadership: A path of shared wisdom and constant renewal
Photograph by Kampus Production via Pexels
Rev. Dr. Jessica Lugo-Meléndez
In a world marked by rapid technological, social, and cultural changes, leadership — especially within our churches — faces the challenge of adapting without losing its essence. An important response to this challenge is intergenerational leadership, a practice that integrates the wisdom of past generations with the innovation and energy of the new ones, with an equitable focus across all generations. This vision not only strengthens our churches but also revitalizes communities, educational institutions, and social movements.
What is intergenerational leadership?
Intergenerational leadership is more than a trendy strategy. It is a discipline that recognizes the unique value of each generation, promoting collaboration among youth, adults, and elders to create shared, inclusive, and sustainable leadership. Rather than viewing generational differences as barriers — though it acknowledges them — it transforms them into a resource.
This model involves more than simple generational turnover. It involves co-leadership, mutual mentoring, and openness to cross-generational learning. Each generation brings its own experiences, knowledge, values, and ways of seeing the world which, when interwoven, enhance collective impact.
The need for intergenerational leadership today
According to the presentation I delivered during the recent ABHMS Leadership Conference, there is an urgent need to open space for new voices in decision-making. Churches face a growing generational disconnect, which translates into a lack of relevance and is often a primary reason many people leave the church. Often, young people feel they have no place in existing structures, while older generations struggle to stay relevant in rapidly changing contexts, and those in the middle generations seek answers to life realities that they often do not find in the church.
This phenomenon is reflected in the data. A 2019 Pew Research Center report highlighted that young adults (ages 18–29) are less confident in key institutions compared to older adults. For instance, only 35% of young adults expressed confidence that Americans will respect the rights of those who are not like them, compared to 67% of those aged 65 and older. This perception creates a gap that intergenerational leadership seeks to bridge by building trust, relationships, and collaboration.
Principles of intergenerational leadership
Throughout the presentation, I highlighted several key principles:
1. Shared Vision: Generations must dream together. A common vision helps overcome stylistic or experiential differences and creates a unifying purpose.
2. Safe Spaces for Dialogue: It is necessary to create environments where people can express their ideas, fears, and dreams without judgment and where authenticity is valued.
3. Reciprocal Mentorship: Leadership is not unidirectional. Elders have much to teach, but also much to learn from younger generations, especially regarding technology, communication, and social awareness.
4. Collective Decision-Making: Breaking with hierarchical models allows for a more equitable distribution of power, promoting innovation and shared responsibility.
5. Active and Humble Listening: The key to intergenerational understanding is listening — not just to respond but to truly understand.
Intergenerational leadership is not simply a trend or a functional strategy. It is a deep expression of human and community value — and even a biblical truth.
Common obstacles and how to overcome them
One of the most common barriers to intergenerational leadership is generational bias — the idea that one generation is more competent, prepared, or ethical than another. This can translate into attitudes like “young people lack experience” or “older people no longer understand today’s world.” These types of statements are common in our congregations — especially considering that we may find up to eight generations within a single faith community.
To overcome these obstacles, it is essential to foster a culture of mutual respect and recognition. Churches can promote intergenerational workshops, historical memory exercises, and even collaborative projects that integrate different age groups.
Another difficulty is resistance to change, particularly from institutional structures accustomed to vertical leadership models. Transitioning to a more horizontal and inclusive model requires time, patience, knowledge, and bold prophetic leadership — leadership that understands the topics relevant to people’s lives today. Below is a general list of key topics to begin meaningful conversations that help bridge the gaps in understanding that are often responsible for resistance to change[i]:
Young Adults (18–35): Sexuality, financial planning, career development, spirituality, education, delayed singleness.
Adults (36–59): Life experience, parenting, asset acquisition, marital relationships, divorce, sin and salvation, empty nesting.
Older Adults (60+): Loneliness, death, salvation, health, independence.
Practical examples
The document I presented in Puerto Rico mentions concrete efforts such as listening sessions, where young people and established leaders share their visions for the future, and spaces that promote co-creation of projects. It also emphasizes the importance of reimagining ecclesial and community structures with a perspective of renewal and hope.
Additionally, it stresses the need for younger generations to participate not merely as recipients, but as active protagonists in decision-making and in shaping missional strategies.
This participation is more critical than ever: a global Deloitte study revealed that 44% of Gen Zs and 40% of millennials have turned down employers due to misalignment with their personal values. This statistic not only reflects the desire for generational relevance in the workplace but also highlights the urgency of creating organizational cultures where all generations can flourish together across all areas of life.
Benefits of intergenerational leadership
The benefits of this approach are numerous:
- Enhanced Innovation: Young creativity combined with accumulated experience results in more complete solutions.
- Greater Social Cohesion: Intergenerational dialogue strengthens community bonds.
- Institutional Sustainability: Churches with diverse leadership are better equipped to face the future.
- Formation of New Leaders: It ensures a healthier and less traumatic transition of leadership.
Conclusion: Weaving generations with purpose
Intergenerational leadership is not simply a trend or a functional strategy. It is a deep expression of human and community value — and even a biblical truth. We find multiple models in Scripture — for example Moses and Joshua, or Paul and Timothy — that show us both what should and should not characterize an intentional process of intergenerational leadership. Its practical implications for our churches are imperative. This means recognizing that all people, regardless of age, have something valuable to contribute to the collective mission.
By embracing intergenerational leadership, we create spaces where the past is honored, the present is shared, and the future is built together. As stated in the presentation, “when we dream alone, it is only a dream; but when we dream together, it is the beginning of a new reality.”
The challenge is before us: Are you willing to share your voice and listen to others, so we can build a new generation of leadership with deep roots in the Church?
Rev. Dr. Jessica Lugo-Meléndez is the executive director of the Association for Hispanic Theological Education (AETH). Read the Spanish-language version of this article here.
The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of American Baptist Home Mission Societies.
[i] Jessica Lugo-Meléndez, “Utilizing Relevant Bible Centric Studies as a Means of Retaining Young Adults in Active Church Membership and Ministry in an Older Puerto Rican American Baptist Church,” Doctor of Ministry dissertation, Liberty University, 2021.
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